Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL? The Gambia) – APRC leader and Speaker of the National Assembly, Fabakary Tombong Jatta, has criticized the United Democratic Party (UDP) over its role in the failed draft Constitution, accusing the opposition party of focusing on partisan interests instead of safeguarding presidential term limits.
Jatta made the remarks over the weekend as the APRC concluded a nationwide consultation tour aimed at reconnecting with grassroots supporters and reconciling divisions within the party, particularly with the dissident “No to Alliance” faction.
During the engagements, the APRC leader strongly defended the party’s alliance with the ruling National People’s Party (NPP)-led coalition and dismissed recent criticism directed at President Adama Barrow over a possible third-term bid.
Jatta questioned the basis of the ongoing debate on presidential term limits, arguing that the current 1996 Constitution contains no provision barring Barrow from contesting another election.
“Which Constitution are they referring to, and which clause prevents President Barrow from contesting?” he asked supporters during the tour.
According to Jatta, the issue of a third presidential term can only be determined by Gambian voters at the ballot box rather than through constitutional restrictions.
Turning his criticism toward the UDP, Jatta argued that the opposition party bears responsibility for the failure of the draft Constitution, which would have introduced presidential term limits.
He said the UDP, which held a majority in the National Assembly at the time, failed to prioritize the term-limit provision during debates on the draft charter.
Instead, he claimed, the party focused more attention on clauses relating to presidential age limits and provisions that would have allowed National Assembly Members who left their political parties to retain their seats as independents without being removed.
On the Relationship Between APRC and Yahya Jammeh
The APRC leader also addressed the party’s relationship with former President Yahya Jammeh, defending earlier efforts to maintain ties between Jammeh and the ruling coalition.
Jatta explained that the APRC had initially hoped its alliance with the NPP would create conditions for Jammeh’s return to The Gambia in a manner similar to former President Dawda Jawara. However, he acknowledged that the plan did not materialize.
He said the APRC, nevertheless, continues to recognize Jammeh as the party’s former leader and former president, expressing hope that reconciliation within the party could eventually be achieved.
“Former President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh is our former leader, our former president, and we give him all the respect he deserves,” Jatta said.
“That is why I instructed my executive that no one should respond to him or say a word to him. This is a family matter between us and the No To Alliance, and I believe we can resolve our differences in the near future.”
Jatta also used the occasion to thank Fatoumatta Jamhupa Ceesay for her support to the APRC.
According to him, Ambassador Ceesay donated 14 brand-new motorbikes to support the party’s nationwide consultation tour. The motorbikes are expected to be distributed among APRC regional chairpersons across the country.
The APRC further announced that Ambassador Ceesay was adopted as an honorary mother by the Banjagarr women of Foni during a party meeting held in Tallinding.
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